updated 07:05 pm EDT, Wed September 8, 2010

Seiko to launch active matrix e-paper watch

Seiko is nearing the release this year of a wristwatch that has an e-paper display, and as such, more images and specs of the watch have now surfaced. First introduced back in April, the unnamed watch has a battery that may never need changing, as it's only used once every minute to change the display. There are also solar cells on the face that keep the battery topped up.

The screen has a sharp resolution of 300DPI and an ultra-wide viewing angle, unlike LCDs. Five buttons control all the functions. It will be nearly two inches wide at its largest point.

Users never have to set the watch either, as it is automatically set via a radio signal from the nearest atomic clock. Seiko assures owners in the US, Japan and most of Europe are covered. There is also a perpetual calendar, world time in 32 cities, a dual-time feature and alarms. To ensure users can tell the time in the dark, an LED light is also built in. A stopwatch function is the only notable omission, due to the slow-changing nature of e-paper screens.

The production version is the image of the two watches, as the one worn on the wrist in the image is of a prototype. It will be available in black coated steel, brushed and polished steel, or in a gold coated steel.

There is no word on pricing, but Seiko aims to keep it relatively affordable. It should have a global launch before year's end. [viaABlogToRead]